Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.27
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Iran has increased the volume of potato export abroad, which has led to a sharp increase in the prices for this product in the country, according to the data of Iran’s Central Bank.
The Central Bank said that the prices for potato in Iran have increased by 44 percent since early September.
Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture Jihad has said that 147.89 tons of potato worth $49.75 million has been exported abroad in the first five months of 2018, which is 85.77 percent and 156.18 percent more in terms of volume and value, respectively, as compared to the same period of 2017.
As for the reasons of the price hike, the Fruit and Vegetable Sellers Union said that the decreasing exchange rate of Iranian national currency has reduced the interest of producers in the domestic market.
“Therefore, they try to export their products abroad and get more income. Foreign countries are also interested in buying potato from Iran, as it is cheaper to purchase potato from this country against the backdrop of strengthening US dollar,” said the Fruit and Vegetable Sellers Union.
The Ministry of Agriculture Jihad has refused to comment on whether any measures are being taken to balance the market.
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